Loft conversion plans – where to start?

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Extension design above by Eddy, architect from Westminster, London. See more and shortlist them for your home project here. Our complete guide for your loft conversion plans A loft conversion is one of the most cost-effective and convenient ways to increase space in your home. One of the major advantage is that the work can… Read more »

10 of the best barn conversion architects in the UK

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We’ve rounded up some of the best architects for barn conversions and rural projects across the UK.     David – Barn conversion architect in SE London (click on their name above to view their full profile and shortlist them for your project) ‘I run a RIBA Chartered Practice based in Crystal Palace, South London…. Read more »

Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion?

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loft conversion

In most circumstances you will not need planning permission for a loft conversion, as the development will be covered by GPDO (permitted development). However, you should also check if your permitted development rights are restricted or have been removed (see below)*   Roof extension pictured above by Ben+Eoin, architect from Southwark, London. Click here to… Read more »

What is the average and minimum ceiling height in a house?

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What’s the minimum ceiling height allowed? Funnily enough, this is one of the most common questions I’m asked as a residential architect. But for good reason: it’s so important to look at the most obvious constraints of a renovation project first. It will shape the brief, how much you are willing to spend on the… Read more »

Conversions to a house without planning permission

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warehouse conversion

Under current planning legislation there are certain conversions to a house that fall under permitted development, meaning you can convert to a house without planning permission. They fall under GDPO (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, where a planning permission is not required. However, there are important exceptions to these rights, which are outlined below.  … Read more »

A bungalow conversion in Kent

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A perfect match on Design for Me… for a bungalow conversion The clients, Pascal & Laura, posted their project to Design for Me, looking for a talented designer/architect for a bungalow conversion into a larger two storey family house. The work comprised a full renovation and extension to their bungalow in Sevenoaks, Kent. They registered their project with just… Read more »

What are the minimum room sizes for a house?

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There are no universal space standards for homes in the UK nor are there universal minimum room sizes. Instead, there are regulations that exist for different circumstances and project types. In any home building or renovation project, the two main statutory obligations you will need to fulfil are planning permission and building regulations approval (building… Read more »

Do I need planning permission to convert my garage?

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You wouldn’t usually need planning permission to convert your garage into additional living space, provided that the space won’t be used as a separate dwelling and the works are all internal. These permitted development rights for a garage conversion will only apply where permitted development rights have not been removed (see below).   Converting a… Read more »

Permitted development for barn conversions (Class Q)

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barn conversion

Since 2014 barn conversions have benefitted from permitted development rights, meaning a full planning application is not required. For many, this has made barn conversions an attractive alternative to a new build. The main advantage here is speed and simplicity of gaining permission. There are other reasons that you might decide to opt for barn… Read more »

10 of the best architects for listed buildings in the UK

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Listed building architect

We’ve rounded up some of the best architects to deal with homes that are listed buildings, across the UK.   David – Listed building architect in Bath (click on their name above to view their full profile and shortlist them for your project) I am passionate about creating homes that are beautiful, respond to their… Read more »